ConsumerWISE | Five things you can do to help reduce health care costs

To help keep health-care costs reasonable, take five simple steps. These things should become the basis for making decisions about managing your health-care needs.

1. Keep yourself healthy through exercise, diet, and lifestyle decisions. You may also Learn about your personal health risks.
   
   
2. Before you go to the doctor, use the resources available to you to make an objective assesment of your medical need. For example, the Healthwise Handbook or the online Self-help Medical Resource.
   
   
3. Do not neglect your medical needs. For example, take your medication as directed and follow the prevention guidelines for adults and children.
   
   
4. When you need medical care, use the most cost-effective provider for the need. For example, do not use the emergency room for common childhood illnesses.
   
   
5. Be actively involved in your health-care decisions. Learn about your illnesses so you can partner with your doctor to receive the most appropriate care.
   
   

If you have any questions, please contact Deseret Mutual.